Wine Country Times

Lake County recently made it as one of Visit California’s featured destination counties, which highlighted the area’s scenery and relaxed wine scene.

The county has the world’s largest geothermal field complex and is home to hot springs that have been attracting tourists for two centuries, according to the write-up. 

Visit California suggests exploring Lake County’s cultural and historical offerings, including the Historic Courthouse Museum, which features the area’s Native American heritage and includes a display of Eastern Pomo basketry, and the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum, for a look at a stagecoach.

Food might be one of the biggest attraction of the county, known for its pears and ample farmland. Visit California said farm-to-table dining is a Lake County forte, with many restaurants featuring local produce on the menu including Park Place on the lakefront serving pear and gorgonzola pizzas. In September, the community gathers for the Kelseyville Pear Festival to enjoy tastings, pear-packing contests and mule-drawn wagon rides among other things.

Lake County’s volcanic earth provides the perfect location for more than 40 vineyards. Visit California points out the area is attracting a growing number of wine lovers thanks to its easy atmosphere and attractive price tags. For first-rate Petite Sirahs and views of the area’s hollow volcano Mt. Konocti, the write-up suggests visiting Laujor Estate Winery.

The star of the county and California’s largest freshwater body, Clear Lake, offers plenty to do, from watersports to fishing or swimming. 

But the lake isn’t the only place to get wet. Cache Creek Wilderness Area, a 27,000-acre park, offers whitewater rafting, bald eagle sightings and hiking trails.

The area also makes the list of cleanest air in the country, according to Visit California.  And with little pollution, the sky is perfect for star gazing, the article states. Kelseyville offers visitors a research-grade telescope with which to check out the stars, and a planetarium at Taylor Observatory.

There’s no shortage of unique accommodations either, the article stated, with places like the historic Tallman Hotel which used to be along a stagecoach line or the Featherbed Railroad B&B where guests can stay in an antique railroad caboose.